UFC 333 is set to ignite the Etihad Arena this Saturday, bringing a high-stakes night of mixed martial arts to the UAE capital. The event features a dual championship headliner, with featherweight titleholder Alexander Volkanovski putting his belt on the line against undefeated challenger Movsar Evloev. The card also showcases a pivotal bantamweight trilogy bout between champion Petr Yan and the division’s top-ranked contender, Merab Dvalishvili. Promising an action-packed night of world-class mixed martial arts as some of the sport’s biggest names step into the Octagon, the UFC returns to Abu Dhabi on Saturday for UFC 333. 1-ranked contender Merab Dvalishvili in a highly anticipated trilogy bout.
Despite his opponent’s momentum, the 38-year-old Volkanovski (28-4 MMA) remains unfazed by the potential wrestling threat posed by the 32-year-old Evloev.
Discussing his opponent’s style during Thursday’s press conference, the Australian champion noted, “I believe I’ve seen that puzzle before. While acknowledging that Evloev is a well-rounded fighter who knows how to secure victories, Volkanovski insisted that these attributes will not be enough to dethrone him. “I’m gonna go get my hand raised. ‘And still,’ once again,” he asserted. But I just don’t think that’s enough.
Evloev responded to the champion’s confidence with professional respect, acknowledging Volkanovski’s status as the most accomplished featherweight in the promotion’s history. “He’s the best featherweight in UFC history, and everybody knows that, right? I’m here to check for myself and do all I can to get to this point this Saturday,” the challenger remarked. Evloev, 32, brushed off the 145-pound champion’s comments. “He’s the best featherweight in (UFC) history, and everybody knows that, right.
The co-main event promises to resolve a heated rivalry as Petr Yan (20-5 MMA) faces Merab Dvalishvili in their third encounter. Their rematch was long delayed due to mutual injuries, with their last meeting occurring ten months prior at UFC 323. Dvalishvili, who successfully defended his standing last October against Cory Sandhagen, expressed comfort in the Abu Dhabi setting despite the crowd likely favoring the Russian champion. A bantamweight title trilogy will reach its conclusion as reigning champion Yan (20-5 MMA) of Russia looks to make it two consecutive victories over former champion Merab Dvalishvili of Georgia, 10 months after their previous meeting at UFC 323, in the co-main event.
Dvalishvili shared his enthusiasm for the location, stating, “This is my territory. I love Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi loves me. I will die in a fight for what I do.” Yan echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on his successful history in the city, which includes his 2020 title win against Jose Aldo at UFC 251 and a subsequent defense at UFC 267. Confident in his preparation, Yan declared, “On Oct. 24, I will smash this guy one more time.” People always (support) me, wherever I fight. According to yan, meanwhile,, He feels at home in Abu Dhabi and appreciates the support he has received from local fans. “Guys, Abu Dhabi is the best place,” he said. “I remember, in 2020, when I came here and took my belt with Jose Aldo (at UFC 251), and I already defended my title here (at UFC 267 in 2021).
UFC CEO Dana White headlined the official press conference, expressing his satisfaction with the promotion’s return to the region. “It’s good to be back here in Abu Dhabi,” White told the gathered crowd.
The pre-fight media session provided lighter moments, including an interaction with heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov. Volkov, who is scheduled to face Rizvan Kuniev on the main card, jokingly solicited advice from Volkanovski regarding how to claim a world title. The atmosphere remained jovial as the event concluded with a fan offering to swap a head-shaving stunt for tickets, an idea White politely declined in favor of providing the tickets without the theatrics before the fighters engaged in their final face-offs.
